Hello to you all.
This is an update on the COVID 19 outbreak at ATV. As at this morning 10/1/22, no further residents have tested positive to the virus. A further 2 staff have tested positive over the weekend and are currently in isolation. Staff have been wearing complete PPE so the risk of any transmission is extremely low. The 2 residents who tested positive in the New Year are now approaching the end of their isolation period. All residents in the red zone of the Link Building have had a PCR test at the end of last week and all results received last Friday were negative.
This is a fabulous result. We met with the Public Health Unit, the Local Health District, NSW Health and the Commonwealth on Friday 7/1/22 and reported the results to them. They have requested a further round of PCR testing today. The RNs are currently taking swabs from all residents in the red zone and we will send them off to pathology. We are anticipating we will receive the results either late tomorrow or early on Wednesday. These results will be pivotal in determining the course of the outbreak. We are meeting once again with the government teams on Wednesday and will update you as soon as we know what decisions we can make going forward.
In relation to residents in green zones we have been advised that those residents may leave isolation. We will facilitate this over this afternoon and tomorrow as we need to ensure entry to the Link is prohibited until a downgrade of the outbreak. However, the dining and activities hall will remain closed to all residents. Residents from the green zone will be able to wander freely in the gardens and may visit each other providing all COVID safe precautions are taken (ie. Social distancing, use of masks etc).
I have to say we are incredibly fortunate that the number of residents affected has not been higher at this stage. Many aged care homes are experiencing serious outbreaks with dozens of residents testing positive. Despite this variant of the virus being much less virulent, our residents are always vulnerable. The team must be congratulated on imposing strict infection control processes early in the activation of our Outbreak Management Plan. This, coupled with high vaccination and booster rates for residents, has obviously been a significant factor. However, we must remain vigilant as there are no guarantees this outbreak is over or that another will not start soon after.
I can report that the Commonwealth has contacted us and a further booster clinic will be conducted for residents later this week. The clinical team will be in touch with families to obtain consent for the booster shots. I’m afraid we cannot offer this booster clinic to family members.
I hope all of you are doing well in these uncertain times and keeping safe. Please make sure you are monitoring yourself for any symptoms and isolate if required. These are very challenging times for us all.
As always, I am available to speak individually with any family member who needs information.
Margaret Russell
Acting General Manager